Tandem FAQs

Perguntas Frequentes

Perguntas gerais

None at all. A tandem skydive is specifically designed for anyone wanting to try it out and because the instructor controls the parachute you can simply enjoy the experience.

For those wanting a more extreme adventure no experience is needed for the AFF course either. Some people prefer to try a tandem skydive first but it’s not a requirement. At Skydive Algarve our AFF courses start with a special AFF tandem jump as part of the training anyway.

POSSO SALTAR PARA A PRAIA?

Unfortunately tandem jumps all take off and land at the Aerodrome in Alvor. We only offer beach jumps to qualified jumpers during our special events in the winter, as the beach is too busy in the Summer period.

QUANTAS PESSOAS CABEM NO AVIÃO?

Our aircraft can seat between nine and seventeen skydivers depending on which aircraft we are flying. For a tandem skydive you and your instructor take up two places, and your cameraman a third. The number of tandems or AFF students we can take up at one time together varies greatly and depends on instructor and kit availability and what other customers we have jumping that day for example.

POSSO SALTAR COM OS MEUS AMIGOS?

We do our best to keep groups together, however it is not always possible especially for larger groups and customers must be prepared to jump from the plane with no other tandem jumpers on board with them.

O MEU MARIDO/ A MINHA MULHER PODEM IR NO AVIÃO COMIGO?

No, unfortunately only skydivers can go up in the aircraft, we do not take passengers.

POSSO TRAZER A MINHA FAMÍLIA, AMIGOS E ANIMAIS DE ESTIMAÇÃO?

Spectators are welcome but please remind them to bring photo ID to be able to pass through security onto the Aerodrome itself. Any children must be supervised at all times. There is a cafe onsite serving food and drink. Dogs and other animals (except guide dogs) are not permitted as we are on an active airfield so please leave them at home.

DEVO COMER ANTES DE SALTAR?

You should eat normally a few hours before your jump. Skipping a meal is not advisable as the adrenaline will affect an empty stomach, but neither is eating a large meal immediately before jumping.

Due to the high temperatures here in the Algarve, particularly in the summer months it’s important to stay hydrated – but again we don’t recommend drinking several liters of water just before you jump, just normal amounts for the time of year.

HÁ MULHERES INSTRUTORAS DE TANDEM?

Yes we have both male and female skydiving instructors so if you have a preference for personal or religious reasons please let us know in advance and we will be happy to accommodate you where possible.

QUE IDIOMAS FALAM OS INSTRUTORES??

Our international team of instructors all speak English and we can also offer briefings in Portuguese, French, Spanish, Flemish (Dutch). Please let us know when you book if you specifically need briefing in a particular language.

E AS CONDIÇÕES METEOROLÓGICAS?

As much as we wish we could, we are not able to predict, nor control the weather. Although it’s normally pretty good for skydiving here in Portugal conditions like rain thick low cloud or very strong winds could stop us from jumping. Do bear in mind however that the weather can change considerably over the course of one day.

We will only contact you to cancel skydives if the weather is particularly unsuitable, otherwise we normally advise you to arrive as scheduled as often we can take advantage of good weather periods during a seemingly bad day, however you are welcome to call us before setting off if you have any concerns about the conditions.

O QUE ACONTECE SE EU NÃO PUDER SALTAR?

If you are unable to jump due to weather or other factors you can reschedule for another suitable date within 12 months. If you are only visiting the Algarve for a holiday then it’s a good idea to book for one of the first days of your trip to allow for this.

Some insurance is included however tandem customers wishing to have any additional coverage must arrange this themselves in advance as we are not able to provide this on the day.

Our Tandem instructors are properly licensed and this includes Third party insurance which covers their tandem student in the event of negligence. Tandem customers must accept that in the event of injury requiring medical attention they must cover any costs until responsibility is established.

Those with an EHIC card should remember that this does not extend past emergency care and will not cover repatriation.

perguntas de pára-quedismo

A QUE HORAS DEVO CHEGAR AO AERÓDROMO?

Tandem Skydive arrival times are allocated when you book depending on availability but start from 8:30am and you just need to arrive at the designated time, no earlier or later.

All the details you need are explained in your confirmation letter – if you have already booked but not received one please do get in touch with us.

OS SALTOS TANDEM SÃO SEGUROS?

Skydiving is an extreme sport and involves inherent risks, however tandem skydiving was designed to minimise this enough for it to be offered as an experience to the general public. Tandem skydiving is statistically far less dangerous than many other adventure sports and safer than driving your car on the motorway.

QUAL É A SENSAÇÃO DE ESTAR EM QUEDA LIVRE?

It’s almost impossible to describe but we promise it will be the best experience of your life. The (completely natural) fear, combined with the adrenaline of freefall and the mixture of relief and exhilaration you feel on landing is not comparable to any other experience.

O QUE ACONTECE SE O MEU PARAQUEDAS NÃO ABRIR?

Parachutes are designed and packed very carefully to make them open. All our parachuting equipment is fitted with two canopies, a main and then a reserve parachute to be used if the main parachute experiences a problem. This is a common but misplaced fear about skydiving.

CONSIGO RESPIRAR EM QUEDA LIVRE?

Yes – your body generally insists on it and we wouldn’t expect you to hold your breath the whole time! It does get a little windy at 120mph which can be a strange sensation but you will be able to breathe.

TENHO MEDO DE ALTURAS!?

Many of our customers are afraid of heights, and of flying! But everyone who has conquered their fear is glad they did. Many peoples fear of heights is associated with a connection to the ground via a ladder or a wall for example, however being up so high in the aircraft is more surreal, you are not on the edge of the door for long enough for it to be an issue and your mind will be focused on other things! Our instructors will be there to guide and reassure you every step of the way, and you won’t regret facing your fear.

PRECISO DE TRAZER ALGUMA COISA COMIGO NO DIA?

You should bring comfortable clothing and trainers for jumping in, we will provide all the other skydiving equipment needed. In the summer a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are essential. Don’t forget your photo ID or passport as you will need this to enter the aerodrome, this includes any spectators coming with you . We also recommend bringing some Euro cash as the airfield café does not currently accept card payments.

QUANTO TEMPO DEMORA A EXPERIÊNCIA?

Your tandem skydive experience should typically take 3-4 hours, but we recommend allowing up to 6 hours to allow for weather delays or busy periods. Please note if you have booked the DVD and photo package this will usually be ready within one hour after your jump.

O QUE ACONTECE SE EU SUBIR NO AVIÃO E DECIDIR NÃO SALTAR??

It is actually very uncommon for someone to refuse in the aircraft. Right now you are probably wondering all sorts of things, but once you arrive at the DZ and receive some training you will feel a lot more comfortable and prepared for your skydive. We usually get the pilot to fly the aircraft around again to give you a second chance, however we will not force anyone to jump out. In this uncommon scenario we regret that no refund is available – all monies paid are for use of the airfield facilities and aircraft, training, and your instructor(s) so whether you jump or not, your ‘skydive’ has been used up.

idade, peso e saúde

POSSO USAR OS MEUS ÓCULOS QUANDO SALTO?

Yes of course – we want you to have a good view of the Algarve from 14,000ft! Everyone is provided with goggles when they start skydiving with us and your glasses will fit underneath. Contact lenses are also fine to wear if you prefer.

TENHO UMA CONDIÇÃO MÉDICA – ISSO PODE IMPEDIR-ME DE SALTAR?

Some conditions mean that you will need to get a Fitness form signed by your doctor first. Other more serious medical conditions will prevent you from solo skydiving, but you may still be able to do a tandem dive instead. You should always advise us of any medical conditions, injuries or anything else relevant. This is for your own and our instructors safety.

Please contact us to learn ‘who can take part ’ for more details and our Fitness form

Some medical conditions may prevent you from jumping – please see the ‘who can take part section’

All Portuguese AFF students must have an official medical examination and signed medical form in order to take part in the FPPQ approved course at Skydive Algarve. Please contact us for more details.

vídeo e fotos

POSSO LEVAR A MINHA CÂMARA COMIGO??

No, only qualified skydivers can do this. Tandem customers are not permitted to take their own cameras, go-pros, phones or anything else into the aircraft or in freefall with them.

POSSO RESERVAR APENAS UM VIDEO PARA O NOSSO GRUPO?

Your skydive will be filmed by an external cameraman and although they’re highly skilled, they’re not superhuman – tandem jumpers exit separately and are several hundred metres apart in freefall. Our cameramen are happy to snap a few photos of you together on the ground and in the plane, they are only able to jump out with one tandem parachutist at a time, so it is only possible for the freefall footage to be of one of you. Each person wanting a video and photos of their skydive must book the package separately.

informação dropzone

QUANDO ESTÃO ABERTOS?

Skydive Algarve is open for jumping 365 days a year. Tandem skydives take place daily, and AFF training courses usually once a week. If you are a qualified skydiver looking to visit us you are welcome anytime, but please do get in touch to advise us of your plans in advance and to check what we have going on before you make travel arrangements.

ONDE ESTÃO LOCALIZADOS?

Skydive Algarve is located at the Aerodromo de Portimao in Alvor, on the south coast of Portugal, near to Albufeira, Lagos and only 35 minutes from Faro. Please visit our transportation page for directions and public transport information.

ONDE DESCOLAMOS E ATERRAMOS?

All our skydives take off and land at the same place – on the Skydive Algarve dropzone at the Aerodromo Municipal de Portimao in Alvor. Unfortunately we are not able to offer beach landings.